California rejects AT&T proposal to stop offering landline phone service in some areas

By David Shepardson

(Reuters) – California has rejected AT&T’s proposal to stop offering landline and other services as a “carrier of last resort,” a state agency said on Thursday.

Marin County said AT&T’s request made in March 2023 would have ended services provided to more than 580,000 eligible households statewide.

The California Public Utilities Commission said in denying AT&T’s request that the decision did not prevent AT&T from removing its copper facilities or investing in fiber optics or other facilities or technologies to improve its network. .

AT&T California President Marc Blakeman said, “We are fully committed to keeping our customers connected as we work with state leaders on policies that create a thoughtful transition that brings modern communications to all Californians. »

The company is committed to ensuring that its customers can maintain their existing traditional landline voice service until they have access to an alternative. “No customer will be left without voice and 911 services,” Blakeman said.

The CPUC said AT&T plays a critical role in providing reliable phone service to communities across the state and said it did not meet opt-out requirements.

“We will protect customers’ access to basic telephone service, regardless of where they live, their income, or their access to other forms of communication. Our rules were designed to provide this assurance, and the demand for AT&T failed to follow our rules,” Commissioner John Reynolds said. .

The CPUC opened a new rulemaking process on Thursday to adapt its regulations to changing market conditions and technological advances.

AT&T said it must undergo a rigorous review process by the Federal Communications Commission that ensures Californians maintain access to reliable voice services.

He also cited proposed legislation that would ensure rural customers are not impacted. “We are fully committed to keeping our customers connected while working with state leaders on policies that create a thoughtful transition that brings modern communications to all Californians,” AT&T said.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, editing by Chris Reese and Josie Kao)